OK I think we're getting all confused, and so am I ... lol. First off, I formerly tested the TP builds from the beginning in October to about the spring, and and then stopped. I ran Windows 10 TP in a VMWare virtual machine.

Now I would like to reconvene running the TP builds after let's say a four month absence (maybe more). I am installing the 10240 build fresh on bare metal. The drive has been competely formatted. During installation I skip the activation code entry, and connect using my Insider Login as an account. The system shows as NOT activated and so I cannot customize my system. If I attempt to activate, I get an error, saying I have the wrong code.

I have registered to receive Insider Builds, and it says that I'm set to receive them. But I still show as not activated. Does some update just appear and activate me automatically? Is that what happens? Because I'm starting to think that I'm disallowed from installing an Insider Build post July 29th. I had heard that all the codes were deactivated.

And most importantly, I have NEVER EVER upgraded from Windows 7 SP1 or 8.1. I want to start a fresh install of an Insider build on this new machine.

Thanks everyone.

"And most importantly, I have NEVER EVER upgraded from Windows 7 SP1 or 8.1. I want to start a fresh install of an Insider build on this new machine." IMO this is why you are not activated.

From Shawn Brink

Once you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 using the free upgrade offer or Media Creation Tool on an activated Windows 7 or 8.1 PC, you will be able to reinstall, including a clean install, on the same device. You won’t need a product key for re-activations on the same hardware. If you make a meaningful change to your hardware, you may need to contact customer support to help with activation. You’ll also be able to create your own installation media like a USB drive or DVD, and use that to upgrade your device or reinstall after you’ve upgraded.

You do not get a product key with the free upgrade of Windows 10.

The activation for the free offer of Windows 10 is registered on the Microsoft activation servers, and is referenced by the hardware (motherboard/CPU/graphics card) of the PC it was upgraded on.

You have to do the upgrade to Windows 10 first and then you can go back delete or format that Windows 10 upgraded partition and start with a bare metal clean install of Winodows 10. I know it seems like a long way around, but the upgrade must happen first.

My ComputerYou need to have JavaScript enabled so that you can use this ...

OK, wasn't sure, had to ask. Is receive insider builds selected? I think it defaults to off on clean installs. Not sure it actually makes a difference, can't hurt to check it if you haven't already. I saw report earlier that Microsoft temporarily turned off the insider build activations? If it's still disabled that may be your issue. Current activated insider builds stay activated but new installs are blocked.

Originally Posted by alphanumeric

From Gabe's tweet in post 1 of this thread, "We've removed ISOs and keys. At this point there isn't a supported clean install path. Just upgrades from here until 7/29." Like I said, maybe they haven't turned the activation servers back on yet? Or you need a new key that hasn't been released yet? The Insiders page looks like its active though? maybe you have redownload a new ISO? If you can't download a new ISO, that would tell me its still shutdown.

First thing I did upon boot, Alpha, was to configure to receive Insider builds since day of fresh install via Windows Media Creation Tool which would have given me the latest 10240 build ISO. As of 11 days ago anyway. See snip below.

Still holding for someone to answer to see if there are new keys.

My ComputersYou need to have JavaScript enabled so that you can use this ...

"You have to do the upgrade to Windows 10 first and then you can go back delete or format that Windows 10 upgraded partition and start with a bare metal clean install of Winodows 10. I know it seems like a long way around, but the upgrade must happen first.

And that's means even if I just want to test Insider builds on a new fresh machine, right?

OK, so since I was just doing this for kicks, I'll opt out, or else wait and see if an Insider build becomes available. I don't want to have to obtain Win7 or 8.1, just so I can install this (even $10 is better spent on a meal...lol). I'm otherwise happy with Vista.)

Now I am going to find out first what this new cumulative update is, and then I'll see if an Insider Buld becomes available this week. Besides, the activation server just mihgt make me lucky this week. We'll see...lol

My ComputerYou need to have JavaScript enabled so that you can use this ...

And that's means even if I just want to test Insider builds on a new fresh machine, right?

OK, so since I was just doing this for kicks, I'll opt out, or else wait and see if an Insider build becomes available. I don't want to have to obtain Win7 or 8.1, just so I can install this (even $10 is better spent on a meal...lol). I'm otherwise happy with Vista.)

Now I am going to find out first what this new cumulative update is, and then I'll see if an Insider Buld becomes available this week. Besides, the activation server just mihgt make me lucky this week. We'll see...lol

Well I am not sure. I "think" you would be able to join the Insider program in Windows Updates even if you are not activated. Of course you are not going to be able use the Personalization options while not activated.

My ComputerYou need to have JavaScript enabled so that you can use this ...

And that's means even if I just want to test Insider builds on a new fresh machine, right?

OK, so since I was just doing this for kicks, I'll opt out, or else wait and see if an Insider build becomes available. I don't want to have to obtain Win7 or 8.1, just so I can install this (even $10 is better spent on a meal...lol). I'm otherwise happy with Vista.)

Now I am going to find out first what this new cumulative update is, and then I'll see if an Insider Buld becomes available this week. Besides, the activation server just mihgt make me lucky this week. We'll see...lol

Hi, Jody and all. After much time on the phone with MS tech support I found no one with an answer concerning help or any new released keys for the Insider builds/OSs. They just kept passing me along. I finally gave up. It seems to me the old generic keys are indeed blocked. Hopefully for the time being anyway. I'm quite sure they'll address this issue in due time.

Anywho, it looks as though we'll have to wait. Those upgrading from another OS seems to take precedence. I'll have to live with no personalization for a while. No big deal. I still get to use 10.

Good luck to all.

My ComputersYou need to have JavaScript enabled so that you can use this ...

Windows 10 Build 10240 not coming through on Build 9926?I am currently running Windows 10 Build 9926 due to having issues installing Build 10162 using a USB. I had Build 9926 installed before and successfully updated to 10162 however a failed graphics driver install forced me to reinstall and since...

Installation and Upgrade

Remedy for Windows 10 not updating to build 10240For all of you that are frustrated with Win 10 not updating, go to:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/7565-optional-features-manage-windows-10-a.html
Settings---->System---->Apps&Features---->Manage Optional features and then add "insider...

failed activation Windows 10 Build 10240first of all excuse for my english and explanation even on my own language i'm bad at this
this is what happened. i have problem with upgrading 10166 to 10240 every-time i restart my pc after it finished downloading the build from windows...

Windows Updates and Activation

Windows 10 Enterprise build 10240 activationHi all! I have been reading through the forums for the past couple days after installing the Windows 10 Enterprise TP 10074 on a laptop here at work. I ran through the activation and setup of a MS account on that build and then ran Windows updates....

About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized,
sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation.
"Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.